Intelligence sharing vital to curb terrorism: Musharraf

President Pervez Musharraf has said that intelligence sharing and strict control on the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan was vital to curb terrorism.

Islamabad, Dec 27 : President Pervez Musharraf has said that intelligence sharing and strict control on the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan was vital to curb terrorism.

"The intelligence agencies of the two countries should ensure effective cooperation to stop terrorism. There should be improvement in border control measures. These are the areas where bilateral cooperation is needed," Musharraf told a joint press conference with Afghan President Hamid Karzai.

Karzai said that bilateral relations had improved and both countries were making concerted efforts to fight off terrorism.

He said it was unfortunate that incidents of terrorism had increased in Pakistan while violence declined in Afghanistan.

Karzai referred to Musharraf as his 'brother' and thanked Pakistan for its assistance to Afghanistan in various sectors.

"We discussed relations in trade and transit and matters related to education. Pakistan has given 1,000 scholarships to Afghan students for higher education and is also building schools in Afghanistan," he said.

The Daily Times quoted Karzai as saying that Pakistan and Afghanistan were 'twins' and should strengthen their existing bonds.

Musharraf said Pakistan and Afghanistan had to work together to exorcise the scourge of terrorism from the region.

ANI